sturgeon

June 27, 2012 By Fishing Guide

BC Sturgeon

All About BC & Sturgeon in North America

BC Sturgeons are native to North American and Asian subtropical and sub-Arctic rivers, lakes and coastlines. They are anadromous toothless bottom feeders who eat a variety of dead fish and mammals. They enjoy small fish for an appetizer, swallow whole salmon for lunch, and can feast on baby seals. Sturgeons spawn upstream much like salmon do, and feed in river deltas at the mouths of still water lakes by built up sediments. These monsters can also venture out to the ocean, but they usually prefer to sta in lakes and rivers.

Sturgeons are one of the oldest bony fish in existence. Sturgeons date back to 200 million years old, making Canada their home, and making British Columbia known for some of the best sturgeon fishing in the world.

Sturgeons are not only as old as dinosaurs, but they are practically the same size. Sturgeons are among one of the largest species of fresh water fish, ranging from 7-12 feet in length. Some species can grow up to 18 feet long and several hundred pounds!

Not only are sturgeons large and valuable, they are slowly becoming destinct. They are very slow growing and they mature very late in life. Because of their slow growth, they are more vulnerable to other threats, such as pollution and habitat reduction and erosion over time. Sturgeons are more endangered than any other species and they are highly at risk of extinction due to overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction.

Because sturgeons are declining in numbers, they are increasing in value. Certain species of Sturgeons are treasured for their ovarian eggs. The eggs, which is a luxury food also known as caviar, are harvested, making the sturgeon the most valuable of all harvested fish.

In the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland area of British Columbia, White Sturgeons can be found in the Fraser River, Harrison River, and Harrison Lake. Sturgeon fishing in BC begins in May to June. You can find these creatures in deep, slow moving pools during the day and in shallow areas at night when they are feeding. To catch a sturgeon you should use a bell sinker and a hook that will hover near at the bottom of the lake or river. Sturgeons are not fussy eaters so a bunch of worms will do the trick. Cheese, salmon eggs, snails, clams, and leeches also work wonders, but make sure your sinker is at the bottom and the bait can move about so the sturgeons won’t be able to resist the bite.

Chad’s Fishing Charters will guide you for a thrill of a lifetime. Hooking a sturgeon will be your most memorable and exciting catch that you will never forget. It’s worth the hard struggle to reel in the might and powerful, prehistoric great White Sturgeon. Contact Chad’s Fishing Charters today to book a guided Sturgeon Fishing Charter!

June 23, 2012 By Fishing Guide

Best Practices Releasing Sturgeon Fishing BC Rivers

Sturgeon Fishing Guide To Releasing

The majority of white sturgeon populations in British Columbia are listed under the federal species at risk act and are open to angling. Since the populations in the lower and middle Fraser river are relatively healthy, they are able to support exciting world class fishery. How ever, these populations are still vulnerable to impacts from angling, habitat destruction, pollution and salmon net fisheries, and they are still provincially and nationally designated as endangered. In addition to being endangered, white sturgeon mature after 17 to 20 years and can live for more then a 100 years, so impacts or injuries can be long lasting. As such all sturgeon angling in the province is catch and release only and will be more strictly managed in the future. Indications are that catch and release sturgeon can be a low impact activity. However, to minimize harm to fish, extra care and attention must be taken to ensure there health and survival, and to maintain this treasure fishery. Anglers should abide by the following capture and handling practices:

Angling tackle should be heavy enough to handle these potentially large fish. Use heavy rods and reels, and at least 100lb test line. Play and release fish as rapidly as possible. A fish played for to long may not recover.

Only barb less hooks are promited while sturgeon angling, so hooks are easily removed. Well embedded hooks can be removed with long needle-nose pliers, or a hook remover. Grab the bend of the hook and twist, and the hook will dislodge. Be quick, but gentle. A fish that is deeply hooked, hooked on or near the gills, or bleeding profusely has a much lower chance of survival once released. You can improve its chances by cutting the leader and releasing the fish with the hook left in. The line will rot and the hook will eventually fall out.

Leave the fish in the water wherever possible. A fish suffocates when its out of water, and is more at risk of internal injuries do to its own weight, especially if it is large (greater then 1.5 m in length).

Land larger fish in shallow water near the shore. Do not drag any fish onto the shore or out of the water. Do not land a large fish at the boat and then tow it by the tail to shore. Towing a fish to the shore is very damaging to the fish and can lessen ‘chances of survival or even kill it. If you land a large fish at the boat, then release it at the boat. Smaller fish can be landed on the boat by lifting and cradling it with gloved hands underneath and behind the front fins and just forward of the tail. It should be placed into a wetted sling. A fish should never be pulled into a boat using a rope or by its gill plates, mouth or pectoral fins. Use as many people to cradle the fish as is necessary not to hurt it.

If you handle a fish, then do so with care. Keep your fingers away from its gills and out of the gill plates, and don’t squeeze or hug the fish. If you want photographs then leave a larger fish in the water, smaller fish should be cradled. Have your camera ready and be quick so the fish is only briefly disturbed. Take the time to hold the fish in the water to recover. Point the fish up stream in the current while reviving it, and when the fish begins to struggle and swim normally, let it go.

May 9, 2012 By Fishing Guide

Harrison River Fishing

Harrison River Fishing is one of the largest tributaries stemming from the Fraser River stretching through the heart of the Fraser Valley. It is located about 90 minutes east of Vancouver in beautiful British Columbia, surrounded by mountains, lush forests, camping, endless hiking, fresh water lakes, boating, and an abundance of outdoor activities that any nature lover must experience. This location is the perfect natural backdrop to gaze in awe and breathe in the fresh air if you are staying outdoors in the wilderness or enjoying a relaxing stay at the world-class Harrison Hot Spring Hotel and Resort. Harrison River is known for its diverse sports fishing. Whether you are a novice angler or you are more seasoned, it offers recreation and enjoyment for everyone year-round.

The flowing turquoise water of the Harrison River is a serine fishing oasis that is replenished each year by surrounding fresh glaciers that flows to the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the only rivers left that is a natural, unenhanced, habitat for all five species of salmon.

Harrison River Salmon Run

Beginning in June to late September, sockeye salmon run through the Harrison River. Sockeye are great to tackle on the fly and always worth the chase. The prime time to catch sockeye is mid August to September before the pink salmon arrive between the first week of September until the first week of October. Pink salmon is always the largest run, but if you want to experience the extraordinary rhythms of Mother Nature you must visit during odd years, such as 2011 and 2013, because the pinks enter the river by the millions. Some people joke and say that there are more fish than there is water. It is truly an amazing sight to see!

Shortly after the sockeye enter the river, the summer and fall runs of Chinook follow. Chinooks have the shortest run period from October to early November. The Chinooks flock to the Harrison River because they bask in the deep water pools. They average between 17-30lbs, but they are called the king salmon for a reason…they can reach up to 60lbs!

Harrison River Fly Fishing

Coho and Chum are the most popular among fly fishers and they run from October 1^st to the end of November. The Coho’s spontaneous flips through the air and the Chum’s aggressive disposition provide a fun and memorable experience for any angler.

The monstrous sturgeons can be found from September to December. After that you will be fishing in solitude as even the bears will be hibernating getting ready for spring. Likely your only company will be a flock of bald eagles, since the Harrison region is known to be the birds of prey’s winter resting and feeding spot. It is often hard to even get a glimpse of these reclusive raptors but at this time of year it is a bird-lover’s and photographer’s haven.

While the salmon are spawning and preparing to return for the next season, their offspring, salmon minnows, attract the trout. In the spring starting in March, peaking in May, trout come from the Pacific Ocean to feast, so you can catch them during this cycle.

You don’t want to miss out on what the Harrison River has to offer! Chad’s Fishing Charters is the premiere guide to enrich your fishing experience. He knows the ins and outs of the business, and the secrets known to only the pros and locals will guarantee a successful fishing trip. His exceptional knowledge of the waters and of the region, high energy and action packed, fun and friendly environment will lure you in time and time again. For the best catch of the day, contact Chad.